The aim of this course is twofold. Practically, it is focused on the planning of your entire Senior Honors Thesis and the writing of one good draft chapter. We will also spend time on the nuts and bolts of researching and writing a thesis of this length. Logistical discussions about the Honors program requirements, procedures and deadlines will also be included. Intellectually, it is a forum for you to experiment, test and exchange various ideas with your colleagues in the Honors program. Moreover, you are also expected to constructively criticize and assess your colleagues’ work-in-progress. We will pursue these goals in various ways, beginning with some sessions on research, writing and citing, followed by in-depth assessments and discussions of previous Honors’ theses and culminating in student presentations of their current research.

This course has been renumbered, effective Fall 2014. A student who earned credit for GOVT 480 Dept Sem: Sr Honors Res Thesis in a prior term should not enroll and cannot earn credit in this class.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GOVT 121 or GOVT 040

Course syllabiThe following syllabi may help you learn more about this course (login required):